With Newmark Hotels MD Neil Markovitz at Sotano in La Splendida Hotel, Cape Town If any proof were needed that Neil Markovitz is not your average hotel magnate, it's the candour with which he reveals that he and his partners were so fazed by the high stakes at the auction of La Splendida last year that none of them wanted to be the one to bid. "In the end, it was Mark Sandak- Lewin who put up his hand," Markovitz (47) tells me over lunch in the now revamped hotel. "We got it for R26m. I've always loved this little property with its deco façade, close to the Waterfront. Though it was dark and dingy, I knew we could turn it into something chic and affordable."They brought in Caveau's versatile Brendon Crew as a restaurant partner. Now what used to be a neighbourhood seafront pizza place, Bravo, is an edgy, well-priced eatery called Sotano, doing Mediterranean treats like paella, bouillabaisse and the succulent crayfish tail salad I was devouring. "I'm location verskri...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.